Modular electrical assembly with jumper storage

Abstract

A modular electrical assembly adapted to be electrically connected to at least one other modular assembly by means of a connecting jumper. The assembly includes a storage structure for storing the connecting jumper associated with the assembly. A method of electrically connecting a modular electrical assembly to at least one other modular electrical assembly is also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular electrical assembly configured to be electrically connected to at least one other modular electrical assembly via a connecting jumper, wherein said assembly comprises: a storage structure configured to store said connecting jumper associated with said modular assembly prior to use of the connecting jumper to electrically connect said assembly to said at least one other assembly; and electrical switchgear. 
     
     
       2. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 1  wherein said electrical switchgear comprises at least one of a relay, a circuit breaker, and a residual current device (RCD). 
     
     
       3. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 1  wherein said connecting jumper comprises a generally U-shaped body made of a conducting material including two legs joined via a web, and wherein said web is covered by an electrically insulated housing. 
     
     
       4. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 3  wherein said conducting body comprises copper alloy. 
     
     
       5. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 3  wherein said storage structure is adapted to store said connecting jumper in a front face of said assembly such that said web extends substantially parallel to a long side of said front face. 
     
     
       6. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 3  wherein said storage structure includes two recesses in said assembly for receiving the legs of said connecting jumper. 
     
     
       7. The modular electrical assembly according to  claim 6  wherein said two recesses are positioned along a line that extends substantially parallel to a front face of said assembly. 
     
     
       8. In combination the modular electrical assembly according to  claim 1  and including at least one connecting jumper stored in association with said assembly prior to use. 
     
     
       9. A method of electrically connecting a modular electrical assembly to at least one other modular electrical assembly, the method comprising connecting said assemblies by using a connecting jumper, wherein said assembly includes a storage structure for storing said connecting jumper associated with said modular assembly prior to use of said connecting jumper to connect said assemblies, and wherein said modular assembly includes electrical switchgear. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 9  wherein said electrical switchgear comprises at least one of a relay, a circuit breaker, and a residual current device (RCD). 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 9  wherein said connecting jumper comprises a generally U-shaped body made of a conducting material including two legs joined via a web, and wherein said web is covered by an electrically insulated housing. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 11  wherein said conducting body comprises copper alloy. 
     
     
       13. The method according to  claim 11  wherein said storage structure is adapted to store said connecting jumper in a front face of said assembly such that said web extends substantially parallel to a long side of said front face. 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 11  wherein said storage structure includes two recesses in said assembly for receiving respective legs of said connecting jumper. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 11  wherein said two recesses are positioned along a line that extends substantially parallel to a front face of said assembly. 
     
     
       16. A modular electrical assembly configured to be electrically connected to at least one other modular electrical assembly via a connecting jumper, wherein said assembly comprises a storage structure configured to store said connecting jumper associated with said modular assembly prior to use of the connecting jumper to electrically connect said assembly to said at least one other assembly, wherein said storage structure includes a recess in said assembly for retaining at least a part of said connecting jumper, and wherein said recess includes an electrical contact that is connectable to an electrical contact of said one other modular assembly. 
     
     
       17. A method of electrically connecting a modular electrical assembly to at least one other modular electrical assembly, the method comprising connecting said assemblies by using a connecting jumper, wherein said assembly includes a storage structure for storing said connecting jumper associated with said modular assembly prior to use of said connecting jumper to connect said assemblies, wherein said storage structure includes a recess in said assembly for retaining at least a part of said connecting jumper, and wherein said recess includes an electrical contact and including connecting said electrical contact to an electrical contact of said one other modular assembly by means of said connecting jumper.